Travel

Travel

The world's best rooftop bars

For exceptional views and stylish settings, these rooftop bars are unsurpassed

Found atop the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach, the newly opened Mercury lounge offers dazzling views of Dubai, razor-sharp staff and a cocktail maker who stands attendant in a gleaming silver ball

The London, Hollywood

The rooftop of The London hotel in West Hollywood is a day-to-night destination. On another hot Los Angeles day you can lounge poolside in a private cabana, cocktail in hand; as the evening progresses the buzz grows and the space becomes a glamorous hang-out. As for the view, there are unobstructed views of the hills, the shimmering lights of Los Angeles and – on a clear day – the Pacific Ocean

Picture: Barbara Kraft

Rock Bar, Bali

Admittedly more rock-top than rooftop, the Rock Bar at Ayana Resort and Spa is located on natural rocks 14 metres above the Indian Ocean. Understandly popular with drinkers who want to admire the setting sun, the bar also hosts DJ performances and remains a popular spot after dark

Ozone, Hong Kong

A superlative inclusion, Ozone is located on the 118th floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong and is officially recognised as the highest bar in the world. Designed by Masamichi Katayama, the venue is a popular brunch spot on Sundays, while the outdoor terrace is in demand on clear days.

Picture: Andrew Loiterton

Radio, London

It may lack the height of some of the other rooftop bars but Radio, atop the ME London hotel wows with incredible views. From here you can look towards the towers of Canary Wharf and the City, observe the curve of the Thames, overlook the comings and goings on the South Bank opposite and admire Somerset House – particularly pleasant when its ice rink is open and the crowds skate beneath completely oblivious to you

On the 63rd floor of a Bangkok skyscraper, and part of the city's Lebua hotel, Sky Bar at Sirocco is the world's highest open-air bar and a popular spot for sundowners on humid Bangkok nights.

Casa Oniri Rooftop Terrace Bar, Barichara

On the top of a Spanish colonial home that has been converted into a boutique hotel named Casa Oniri, the Casa Oniri rooftop bar is a subtle, intimate and relaxed place surrounded by history. Central Barichara is a protected area, due to its architectural heritage dating back to the Spanish conquest, and beyond the rooftops drinkers here can also admire the Chicamocha Canyon and the Andes mountains

Flair, Shanghai

On the 58th floor of Shanghai's IFC tower, Flair is the rooftop bar of the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Pudong. On warm days the outdoor terrace heaves with guests, tourists and locals admiring a view that takes in the Bund, the Pearl Tower and the surrounding city

1-Altitude, Singapore

Situated on Singapore's highest point – 925ft (282m) above sea level – 1-Altitude features a sunken bar and two mixologist capsules where guests can try their hand at concocting their own drinks. Or they can just order something simple and enjoy the view

Top of the Mark, San Francisco

On the top floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins hotel in San Francisco, Top of the Mark is, in itself, a rather dated bar. For impressive vistas, though, it offers something special. Taking up the entire 19th floor, its view stretches out in all directions, taking in the imposing Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco skyline and the dramatically undulating cityscape below

La Purificadora, Puebla

In the Mexican city of Puebla, La Purificadora distinguishes itself with an unexpected design feature – a glass-walled swimming pool, ideal for anyone who might fancy a quick dip between rounds. Ricardo Legorreta, one of Mexico's most famed architects, is responsible for the design.

aqua spirit, Hong Kong

In Hong Kong's One Peking skyscraper, aqua spirit faces the city's spectacular harbour and the skyline is best appreciated during the Symphony of Lights. The nightly event sees buildings along the waterfront illuminated in a dazzling display of synchronised lights and music. As for the bar itself, the stylish David Collins-designed space is a popular spot for cocktails and hosts regular performances by popular local DJs

You deserve a drink if you make it here. On top of Wurmkogel Mountain in the Austrian Alps, Top Mountain Star is a popular spot with skiers in need of sustenance. You'll need to tackle a black or blue run to get back down the mountain, though, so it's perhaps best not to spend too much time there

Ku Dé Ta, Singapore

On top of the imposing Marina Bay Sands complex in Singapore, Ku Dé Ta is a 40,000sq ft space that incorporates a restaurant, club lounge and poolside terrace. The focal point of the lounge area is its open-air bar, which hosts regular parties, while the restaurant also features a circular 'Sky Bar' that sits atop a public observation deck

New York Bar, Tokyo

Crowning a 52-storey skyscraper, Tokyo Park Hyatt's New York Bar is familiar to many through its supporting role in Lost in Translation. Popular with film fans but well worth a visit on its own merits, the venue offers exceptional views over the metropolis and live jazz performances nightly. British visitors might, however, be less enamoured with the fact that smoking is still allowed there, and the venue charges an entry fee to all but hotel guests

Aer, Mumbai

The incessant clamour of Mumbai is left far below at Aer. On the 34th floor of the city's Four Seasons hotel, the open-air bar and lounge starts the evening with a daily 'Sunset Happy Hour' from 5.30pm to 8pm. Visit then for half-price cocktails and champagnes or visit later in the night to experience a set by "DJ Fatbat (a.k.a Shaan), who plays nightly sets of upbeat jazz, funk, house, club and a unique twist on classic hits from the 80s and 90s."